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Optimal Nitrogen Fertilization Rates in Winter Wheat Production as Affected by Risk, Disease, and Nitrogen Source

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 April 2015

Roland K. Roberts
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Jeremy T. Walters
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
James A. Larson
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Burton C. English
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Donald D. Howard
Affiliation:
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Tennessee Experiment Station, The University of Tennessee, Jackson, TN

Abstract

Interactions among the nitrogen (N) fertilization rate, N source, and disease severity can affect mean yield and yield variance in conservation tillage wheat production. A Just-Pope model was used to evaluate the effects of N rate, N source, and disease on the spring N-fertilization decision. Ammonium nitrate (AN) was the utility-maximizing N source, regardless of risk preferences. The net-return-maximizing AN rate was 92 lb N/acre, providing $0.52/acre higher net returns than the best alternative N source (urea). If a farmer could anticipate a higher-than-average Take-All Root Rot infection, the difference in optimal net returns between AN and urea would increase to $35.11/acre.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2004

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